Buying an Old House? Plan for These Home Repairs

During my 20 years as a professional home inspector I've walked the floorboards of thousands of old houses. By now, I've developed an uncanny ability to predict the home repairs they'll need before even setting foot inside. It all comes down to understanding the decade-to-decade differences in old house construction and knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each period.

Whether you're looking for or already in love with an older house, here are the potential home repair needs you're likely to encounter. Knowing what to look for will help you spot and fix problems early, before they break your budget--or your heart.